Gameweek 23 best captaincy options

FPL Gameweek 23 best captaincy options

Faruq Ibrahim 22:09 - 10.02.2023

We have picked out the best captaincy options for Gameweek 23

Another FPL gameweek is nigh upon us, and as the deadline inches closer, FPL managers are scampering, trying to get their transfers, starting eleven and captaincy picks in.

With the two best teams in the league this season, Arsenal and Manchester City, having a double gameweek, the options for who gets the armband are narrower.

Here are some of the best captaincy picks for the Gameweek 23

Haaland (Manchester City) vs Aston Villa and Arsenal

When in doubt, captain Haaland, heh? With his 85.1% ownership, the big Norwegian has effectively taken over from Salah as the set-and-forget player, but three blanks in his last five gameweeks has seen the blind trust that managers put in him wane.

Haaland has scored 171 FPL points this season
Haaland has scored 171 FPL points this season

However, with a double gameweek coming, Haaland could be in for a haul, and failing to captain him in the eventuality of a hall could see managers punished with red arrows as he has a high ELO.

Despite blanking three times in five gameweeks, Haaland ranks fourth in the league for big chances received (during that time).

Haaland is the top captaincy pick for this week, but if you are not among the 40% of managers who have played their wild card and you plan on using it on Haaland this DGW, you might want to hold on to it as the second game is against the second-best defence in the league.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) vs Brentford and Manchester City

If Manchester City's form makes you wary of placing the armband on Erling Haaland, then you should consider Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal are at home for both of their double gameweek fixtures, and four of Saka's seven league goals have come in his last five games at the Emirates.

Bukayo Saka scored goals in his last five games at the Emirates
Bukayo Saka scored goals in his last five games at the Emirates

Arsenal would be looking to bounce back from the defeat to Everton, and Saka might be in for a haul.

Third force options

If neither Saka and Haaland as captain options entice you and you would like to consider differential captain options, you should consider their teammates, Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne, and Martin Odegard.

De Bruyne is Manchester City's second-top scorer in FPL this season and the 9th in the entire league. The Belgian has only returned in two of the last five gameweeks, however, starting from the bench against Tottenham could be the motivation he needs to haul.

Mahrez is the most in form of the three Manchester City players mentioned so far, returning in three of the last five gameweeks, including a 17-point haul against Tottenham in gameweek 20. He would make an excellent differential captaincy pick.

Mahrez is an excellent differential captain pick
Mahrez is an excellent differential captain pick

No Arsenal player has scored more points than Martin Odegaard's 119 FPL points this season, and only four players have more in the entire league. The Arsenal captain has seen his form after three consecutive double-digit hauls dip slightly, but the DGW could see the midfielder reach previous point highs.

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